Share this article

The firm, which is based in Manchester, wrote to all the residents at Rena Court on September 22 saying repairs would cost £15,000 and it had been decided that it was not 'economically viable to continue to maintain the lift in operational condition'.

Mrs Bailey, who used to run a sweet shop in Heaton Chapel with her late husband, has been relying on neighbours to get her shopping.

The owners of Rena Court, Northern Estates, refused to mend the lift claiming it will cost £15,000 which it says is too much to fix

She said: 'I would normally get a bus to Stockport two or three times a week. I don't know when I will get out again.'

'It is very frustrating, I feel guilty having to rely on the kindness of others. But they shouldn't have to do it - there should be a lift that works.'

Sarah Woods, residential properties manager for Northern Estates, said: 'We have been working hard to identify the problems with the lift at Rena Court, but it has been deemed unsafe and beyond economic repair by our lift engineers.

'Under the circumstances, and because we cannot procure appropriate insurance cover, we have no alternative other than to de-commission the lift at this time for the safety of tenants.

'We sincerely regret any inconvenience or difficulties that this may have caused.'

The company submitted plans to the council to renovate the flats in September 2010, including proposals for a new lift.

But the plans are yet to be approved.

Mrs Bailey added: 'These plans could take years to go through, if at all. So then we would never get a lift. I just don't know what I would do then.'